Exclusive interview with Harris Allan

June 25, 2012 | Harris Allan portrays the young hustler James 'Hunter' Montgomery on "Queer as Folk", who is taken in by Ben Bruckner and Michael Novotny to live with them as their adoptive son. Harris was one of the nine guests of honor at the first ever "Queer as Folk" fan convention Rise'n Shine 2012 that took place in Cologne in June. In this interview he talks about the show, the convention experience and his projects as a musician.

Note: © myFanbase 2012 - The interview is exclusive to myFanbase and may not be published on other websites or the like. You may share the first 2 questions or up to 160 characters if you link back to this site. Translations other than English and German may be posted with full credit including the writer's name and link to this site.
Foto: Harris Allan, Rise'n Shine, Pressekonferenz - Copyright: myFanbase/Nicole Oebel
Harris Allan, Rise'n Shine, Pressekonferenz
© myFanbase/Nicole Oebel

1. How did you get into acting?

I started acting because I was watching movies such as "Home Alone" as a kid and thinking hey I could do that! It's also fun to perform.

2. What was it about "Queer as Folk" and the role of Hunter that drew you to play this character?

Hunter is a character with a lot of depth and inner conflict. As an actor this is a challenge and exciting to play. I was also 17 and hungry to work.

3. Playing a teenage HIV positive hustler would be a challenging role to take on for any actor let alone for a 17 year old. Were there any repercussions in your circle of family and friends or in school? How did people react?

I was very fortunate no one ostracized me. I attribute that to the very tolerant neighborhood where I currently live, and grew up in. My friends and family were very supportive.

4. How did you prepare for this demanding role?

I drew from my childhood best friend who faced a lot of struggle early on. I am inherently helpful of a friend in need. He wasn't a prostitute but the base or root of most problems are usually the same: money, power, and understanding or information.

5. What was your favorite scene or storyline to play and why?

I enjoyed the storyline between Ben, Michael, and Hunter. The ongoing struggle of being a family, with every obstacle imaginable, I found extremely compelling.

I also was moved by the storyline with Callie. The parents who don't want them together because he has HIV, something that wasn’t his fault, is very heart breaking.

6. You were the new guy in season 3. How did it feel to start working with a cast that had already been close for quite some time?

Everyone was very welcoming and I immediately fit in. The crew is an integral and amazing part of what that show has going for it. I embraced every minute of it.

Foto: Harris Allan, Rise'n Shine, Pressekonferenz - Copyright: myFanbase/Nicole Oebel
Harris Allan, Rise'n Shine, Pressekonferenz
© myFanbase/Nicole Oebel

7. What is your best and funniest memory from your time on "Queer as Folk"?

There are so many. I had a great time when there were a lot of the characters in one scene so Hunter's birthday or other party scenes. We were all having a good time off camera.

8. Looking back at the "Queer as Folk" Rise'n Shine Convention what comes to your mind first?

My favourite part was the individual photos. Fans could hang out without any barriers or tables.

9. When the call came and you signed on for the convention what were your expectations for this weekend and what was a surprise in the end?

I had no idea how much work would be involved or how much I would enjoy it. Everyone who worked on or came to experience this convention immensely inspired me. Thank you again!

10. Being reunited with the cast in Cologne with only Gale Harold missing were there moments when you felt like he was actually there and might just come round the corner?

No I definitely didn't feel like he was actually there. I would have liked for him to be there in order for him to see how many people appreciate his work still.

11. You are also a musician. What music do you make and are you working on new projects?

I am going to put out music soon probably of the dance electronic genre and also some acoustic stuff. You can hear demos at soundcloud.com/harrisallan I will be finishing some things soon.

12. If you could spend a day with any living or dead person, who would it be and what would you do?

My grandmother. She was such an awesome person. We would go to the beach have lunch and go on a bike ride. I also wouldn't give her such a hard time.

13. myFanbase is a website that is devoted to American television shows. What are your favorite shows?

"Californication", "Arrested Development", "South Park", "Planet Earth", "Strangers With Candy", and "Portlandia".

Thank you, Harris, we wish you all the best for your future!

Nicole Oebel - myFanbase